“Dear Emma” with Todd Weber

Surrounded by cargo, Weber presents as John Wesley Powell writing a letter to his wife, Emma, the night before embarking on his 1869 journey of exploration into the “Great Unknown.” Preparing to face the perils and the mysteries of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, he contemplates what may lie ahead, the colorful crewmembers accompanying him, and his thoughts of when he will see his wife again. This presentation puts the listener into the mind of a man who is both anticipating and fearing his future challenges.

At a young age Todd Weber became enthralled with the stories of the fur traders, American Indians and explorers in American history. Through years of reading journals and studying historical accounts of the fascinating characters of America’s past, he became well-versed in the facts and details of this time in history. Along with being an artist and jeweler, Weber has worked as an Elderhostel coordinator and instructor. He now guides small ships on the Columbia River and in Alaska, and leads his own tours, sharing his appreciation for the stamina, ingenuity, and character that existed in those who helped shape the American West.